There’s no universally correct direction for every breakaway to take. What works for some may not be the right solution for others.
In full disclosure, I’m a wirehouse convert to independence. I was an adviser-turned-branch-manager for a large wirehouse in New York City in 2006 when I lost an adviser to a registered investment advisory firm. Back then, I wasn’t even sure what an RIA was. I was the typical arrogant wirehouse manager who thought the independent wealth management industry could never compete with the big firms. Boy, was I wrong. The industry, advisers and the firms that support them have changed dramatically since I was part of the founding management team at HighTower.
